Supervisor: Dr Theresa Smith
Partners: Wessex Water
We are seeking a candidate to work at the intersection of statistics, mathematical modelling, and data analysis, and with strong enthusiasm for applying their research to environmental science and seeing real-world impact.
The challenge
With new, stricter regulations and a growing public demand for cleaner, healthier rivers, the water industry is under more pressure than ever to innovate. Over the next few years, this field will see an explosion in the use of advanced water quality sensors, generating vast amounts of real-time data. However, along with this new sensing technology is the ever-pressing need for cutting-edge mathematical and statistical analysis to model and interpret the science. The next-generation tools used by the water industry must provide real-time scientifically-justified diagnostic, predictive and source apportionment capabilities.
The research
This project will focus on the use of statistical modelling and data collection strategies to inform the design of new monitoring tools to understand the relative contributions of different sources of pollution (e.g., from point sources like water recycling centres and storm overflows to diffuse sources such as land and road run-off water) to water quality in UK rivers. The project will develop new techniques to overcome modelling challenges such as spatial-temporal misalignment, missing and noisy measurements, extreme events and high dimensionality. This project will work in collaboration with Wessex Water and the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Bath.
The team
You will join a unique collaboration with Wessex Water, one of ten water supply and sewage utility companies in the UK, based in the southwest of England. You will be supported by a strong supervision team that combines primary expertise from the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Bath, and also expertise from the Chemical Engineering department (who will inform on real data applications), and experts from Wessex Water. You will be embedded in a wider network of interdisciplinary scientists working at the interface of environmental modelling and public health through Bath’s new Centre of Excellence in Water-Based Early-Warning Systems for Health Protection.
This PhD will not only provide a platform for you to develop a career as an academic researcher, but also prepare you for careers in industry and environmental scientific research. If you’re excited by the prospect of using mathematics to solve real-world problems, and eager to help shape the future science of water resources, then this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for!
Project keywords: statistical modelling, environmental modelling, mathematical modelling, source apportionment, pollution dynamics, wastewater
Candidate Requirements
In addition to the SAMBa entrance requirements, the ideal candidate would have undergraduate experience in some (certainly not all!) of the following specialisations: spatial statistics, time series modelling, graphs and networks, data visualisation, numerical methods, mathematical or physical modelling, machine learning.
Contact the SAMBa team at samba@bath.ac.uk if you are unsure about your eligibility and would like to discuss your potential application.
Enquiries and Applications
Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be directed to supervisor Dr Theresa Smith t.r.smith@bath.ac.uk
Applications are open for entry in September 2025. Apply via the University of Bath’s online application form for an Integrated PhD in Statistical Applied Mathematics. Early applications are encouraged.
IMPORTANT:
When completing the application form:
1. In the Finance section, enter ‘SAMBa’ when asked to name the scholarship or PhD studentship you wish to be considered for.
2. In the Your research interests section, quote the project title of this project at the top of your statement or proposal and the name of the lead supervisor in the appropriate box.
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